In a shocking turn of events, Namibia's Agriculture Minister Mac-Albert Hengari has been sacked following serious allegations of rape involving a minor. The case comes after the 59-year-old was accused of attempting to bribe the now 21-year-old victim to drop the charges against him. Arrested on Saturday, Hengari denies any wrongdoing and has been denied bail during his court appearance in Windhoek.
This dismissal marks a significant scandal for Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took office just last month. Although the official statement did not specify reasons for Hengari's firing, it’s a wake-up call for the administration, which has been notably vocal about gender-based violence.
Facing multiple charges including kidnapping, rape, and assault, Hengari's case has been drawing intense scrutiny. The opposition party, Independent Patriots for Change, has criticized the government’s handling of gender issues, arguing that Hengari’s appointment revealed a failure in leadership and accountability in the vetting process.
The political landscape in Namibia appears pivotal, especially with recent statistics showing over 4,800 cases of gender violence reported last year in the nation of three million. President Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration had aimed to represent gender diversity with a cabinet composed of nine women out of 14 members. With the president’s election victory in November still fresh, this scandal undeniably poses challenges ahead.
